Give Peace In Our Time: Especially for Graduation Monday, April 05, 2021
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
After a school year filled with changes and uncertainty, celebrate the perseverance and accomplishments of your students with a special piece for graduation or end-of-year performances – whether virtual or in-person.
Give Peace In Our Time by Ethan McGrath, SATB with piano
A prayer text from The Book of Common Prayer, as timely today as when it was originally penned in 1662, is particularly engaging in this relaxed and soulful gospel setting. The composer offers contemporary alternatives to the ancient text without diminishing the impact of the original language. This setting for SATB voices and piano offers a beautiful opportunity for an optional solo voice. Don’t miss the impact of the heartfelt prayer for peace in this wonderful work.
Shalom by Dan Forrest, SATB with piano and optional violin
This tender and comforting work is a “passing of peace” as its simple yet elegant melody washes over the listener, gently unfolding its text with increasing texture: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives; do not be afraid.” The Hebrew word shalom forms the refrains, and whispers of the word “peace” further paint the spirit and promise of the text.
May the Road Rise to Meet You by Michael Higgins, SSA with piano
Michael Higgins’s gentle setting of the traditional Gaelic Blessing has a memorable melody, a flowing piano part, and a beautiful, soaring soprano descant in the second verse. Written for the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain, the piece would be particularly suitable for children’s choirs.
Beyond the Years by Mark Patterson, SATB with piano
A song of hope for the future, “Beyond the Years” is especially appropriate for a moving-on ceremony or as a ballad in a contest set. The musically embracing setting of American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar’s words features effective choral writing by Mark Patterson that will flatter younger and intermediate-level ensembles.
How Can I Keep from Singing arr. Matt and Adam Podd, SATB with piano and optional violin, cello, rhythm & percussion
This thrilling new arrangement by twin brothers Matt and Adam Podd was an internet sensation shortly after we were all quarantined due to the Corona Virus. Drawing on friendships in the New York City Broadway, church and opera worlds, more than 120 world class singers and players came together to create the virtual choir and orchestra. In the final chorus, the arrangers very cleverly turn the iconic phrase “How can I keep from singing?” into “Keep Singing.” A message we all need to hear and remember during these times of isolation and at all times.
There’s Gonna Be a Homecomin’ by Kyle Pederson, SSATB with piano
An original work with a real spiritual feel, this piece is full of joy, with a text that celebrates the unconditional love of family and home.
I Will Remember You (Medley) arr. Roger Emerson, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
Here is the perfect graduation medley. “I Will Remember You,” “I Hope You Dance,” and “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” reflect on all of the best memories. There are logical places to feature your best soloists or cover these moments with the ensemble. End of year concerts are also great places for these great pop songs.
Hero arr. Aaron Jensen & Bryan Sharpe, SATB a cappella
The beloved cast of “Schitt’s Creek” performed this incredible Mariah Carey hit for YouTube’s 2020 virtual commencement. This much-anticipated publication features rich harmonies by Aaron Jensen (music consultant for the Netflix series) as transcribed by a cappella master-arranger Bryan Sharpe. Perfect for honoring graduates, essential/frontline workers, teachers, or anyone who is an everyday hero.
Are You Proud of Me? by Mark Burrows, 2-part with piano
This sensitive choral ballad is sure to ignite “all the feels,” as your singers ask for validation from the influential adults in their lives. Lyrical lines and uncomplicated voice parts allow even the youngest performers to get right to the heart of the piece – the touching message, especially poignant in the final unaccompanied phrase. Parents and teachers should have tissues on hand!
Find more graduation recommendations on our website. No matter what your in-person or remote teaching requires, shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, she also enjoys good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.
Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music from Capital University and a Master’s of Arts in Choral Music from The Ohio State University. Currently she is a church choir director, operates a private voice/piano studio and is active as a clinician and accompanist. During the off hours, Lora enjoys scouting out new day trips in Ohio to balance what her budget allows for her frequent trips to New York City to visit family and take in a Broadway show or two!